The European Union recently approved its 18th sanctions package against Russia, described as one of the strongest to date, in response to the ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Key components of the package include lowering the price cap on Russian oil, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet,” and imposing restrictions on the Russian banking system and Nord Stream gas pipelines. Additionally, the sanctions extend to the Russian defense and finance sectors, entities involved in indoctrinating Ukrainian children, and tighten restrictions on oil product imports via third-party countries. President Zelensky and other European leaders have welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of applying pressure to Russia.
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On July 17, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reportedly launched a cyberattack against Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy giant, causing significant disruptions. The attack allegedly targeted systems used by Gazprom and its subsidiaries, which Ukraine claims support the Russian war effort. The operation resulted in the destruction of data, the installation of damaging software, and the disabling of internal systems for thousands of administrators across hundreds of subsidiaries. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims, and neither Gazprom nor Russian authorities have commented publicly.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Ukraine would receive long-range missile systems “very soon” after a US agreement to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine. Merz indicated these capabilities could be deployed within weeks, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to improve its defense capabilities. The announcement followed a friendship treaty signed with the UK, allowing for cooperation in procurement and production. While the exact details of the US plan for European allies to fund weapon supplies remain unclear, Merz insisted on clarity regarding the replacement of Patriot air defense systems being delivered to Ukraine.
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Russian authorities have initiated legal action to seize Normunds Bomis’s share in the Russian company Ryzhsky Khleb, alleging the Latvian citizen supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thereby engaging in extremist activities. The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed a lawsuit, claiming Bomis and his business partner, Tetiana Prykhodko, are extremists. This “extremist association” allegedly extends to Bomis’s other businesses and a Latvian foundation. This action is part of a larger trend, with Russian law enforcement seizing significant assets in favor of the state in recent years.
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Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President, suggested Russia should consider “preemptive strikes” against the West in response to increased Western support for Ukraine, specifically the deployment of defensive systems. Medvedev’s comments followed the announcement of potential secondary tariffs on Moscow by former President Trump, who also indicated the U.S. would send Patriot missiles to NATO countries for eventual routing to Ukraine. Despite the push to send these systems, there is uncertainty surrounding the delivery timelines and locations, as Swiss and German officials have noted. While seen as a significant step, some, like Zelenskyy and EU leaders, are concerned that these measures are not strong enough.
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According to European diplomats, Russia is escalating its use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, aiming to inflict maximum suffering. Intelligence reports from Germany and the Netherlands indicate a growing trend, with over 9,000 instances of chemical weapon use since the invasion’s onset. The Dutch Defence Minister noted over 2,500 reported cases of chemical weapon-related symptoms in Ukraine, resulting in three deaths. The United States has also accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a banned choking agent, despite Russia’s commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
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Internal documents obtained by Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project reveal “catastrophic” losses within Russia’s 41st Combined Arms Army operating in eastern Ukraine. These documents, provided by Russians, detail casualties including over 8,625 killed, 10,491 missing, and 7,846 deserters as of June 1, 2024. The 74th Motor Rifle Brigade, in particular, suffered severe losses, significantly impacting its original size, with other brigades also showing heavy losses. High desertion rates persist, especially among soldiers recruited from penal assault units, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of Russia’s war efforts.
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The Sanseito party, promoting a “Japanese First” agenda, faces scrutiny following reports of a candidate’s interview with Russian state-owned media. Saya, a Sanseito candidate running in Tokyo’s upper house district, was featured in a video interview by the Russian news agency Sputnik. The interview’s dissemination has raised concerns given current geopolitical tensions. The incident has sparked debate and could impact the party’s standing with voters.
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On July 17, Russian media and officials reported widespread Ukrainian drone attacks across multiple regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Russian officials claimed to have shot down numerous drones, with some reports indicating temporary airport closures and injuries. Attacks were also reported in regions closer to the front lines, such as Belgorod and Voronezh, with casualties and damage reported. These reported attacks follow a series of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, including a double-tap attack in Nikopol and an aerial bomb dropped on a shopping center in Donetsk Oblast.
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President Trump’s announcement of a weapons deal for Ukraine, involving the donation of Patriot missile systems by NATO countries and U.S. replacement sales, has surprised many allies. Despite Trump’s claims of swift delivery, European diplomats report a lack of prior briefing or consultation before the public announcement. While some officials expressed early enthusiasm, many details, including specific participating countries and timelines, remain unclear. This has led to confusion and uncertainty among key NATO partners, leaving them to decipher the plan’s specifics.
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John Q. Hosedrinker